I am new member to the site although I have been viewing it for awhile. I recently caught the bug on a trip to Disney with my family. I always love the Polynesian and when I retuned I thought I would bring a little of it to my backyard. (Sorry we couldn’t afford Hawaii so I hope I don’t offend any purists) I had no idea where to start. I found a few pictures on line and thought I would use them as a model for mine. I make a lot of cabinetry, furniture etc. I thought that this project would fit right in with my other hobbies and my power tools would make it a snap. Boy was I wrong. I ended up putting the power tools away and have been using a hammer and chisel since. The first tiki was done, in oak, and I had a heck of time. The one you see here was actually recarved from an earlier version done with power tools. The second was an Easter Island head in Maple. The next two I am unsure of what they are made from. They were great therapy as I am a Philadelphia sports fan and I would work on them as I was watching the Phillies hoping they wouldn’t collapse! The last one is more of break from what I have seen online. I used a picture as some inspiration. I sorry I can’t recall the artist. I hope to add arms that extend from the guy with the turtle so that he will hold towels. I am carving the arms and I will eventually attach them. Although I am a little unsure of how I will do this. I know some of you take the carving very seriously so I hope that my work doesn’t offend anyone. Any advice would be appreciated

Aloha Grand Poohba,
And welcome to the forum. First I would like to compliment you on your carves, you are doing great.
And don't worry about the purists jumpin on your neck. Ones own style and a bit of originality is more appreciated by most people here. Not to mention that most critics are non carvers and to me it always seems kind of lame if people who have no idea about making something are telling others how to do it.
The masters around here (I'm not one of them for a long time but I will get there) will most likely encourage you and give helpful advice about tools and technique as well as answer any question. But use the search function before posting questions already answered.
So keep posting your work and have lots of fun carving.

Hey Poob, very nice set of carves, especially when you're using hardwoods like Oak and maple! I like the pointed teeth look, my first large log was toothy like yours
but it was out of Mexican fan palm which is much softer and made it easier to carve.
I usually carve much smaller stuff and have used Oak before but its so damned hard I end up with hand cramps afterwards and cuss at the hardwoods! Be sure to post pics after you get your finish on them, should look sharp!
_________________The Birdman
Same as it ever was! (But what looms on the horizon, hmm?)

On 2008-12-14 08:12, Grapa-RuHa wrote:...most critics are non carvers and to me it always seems kind of lame if people who have no idea about making something are telling others how to do it.

Grapa-RuHa, please clarify. Are you saying that people that don't know how to carve Tikis don't know what kind of Tikis they like?

No that's not what i'm saying. Everyone has his/her own taste, what i tried to say is that non carvers should not tell someone who is carving 'HOW' they should carve their stuff. So an objective comment about what you like or dislike should never be a problem as long as it's constructive and about what you know.

On 2008-12-14 08:12, Grapa-RuHa wrote:...most critics are non carvers and to me it always seems kind of lame if people who have no idea about making something are telling others how to do it.

Grapa-RuHa, please clarify. Are you saying that people that don't know how to carve Tikis don't know what kind of Tikis they like?

No that's not what i'm saying. Everyone has his/her own taste, what i tried to say is that non carvers should not tell someone who is carving 'HOW' they should carve their stuff. So an objective comment about what you like or dislike should never be a problem as long as it's constructive and about what you know.

Thanks Seeksurf, Grapa RuHa and Bohemian, for the nice comments. I see some other stuff on here with so much detail. It can be inspiring and demoralizing at the same time!

Also thanks for the encouragement T Bird and Big Daddy. The oak is a real pain. I have to take what I can get find. I also found a nice case of poison oak!! I am getting a real education here. It is nice to know that there is a site like this. I am also happy to see that there are so many people who share the same likes. I thought maybe I was a little nuts. Maybe I still am but will enjoy the company! I hope to work some more on these guys over the holidays. Any suggestion on stain or urethane? I have used water based polyurethanes, and oil based urethanes as finish on furniture. I was thinking that a spar urethane, used on exterior doors, might be best. I also use gel stains as they are nice to wipe on wood and work into the grain instead of using brushes. Will this work for these types of projects? Are there better alternatives? One of my fears is ruining something that took so long to make in a matter of minutes because of poor finishing choices.

Hey good stuff there! Yep, looks like you have a bit of finishing work to do.

As far as stains, you sound very experienced already with stains and finishes and so forth. I bet that part will come pretty easy for you. One thing I would say is make sure not to use any stains with sealers until you have the color you like. I learned that one the hard way.

G.P.
For just starting out, you do NICE work. Nice shop too. Alot of good carvers here who are generous with their experience & advice..ie Seeksurf, Tucson Tiki just to name two. Disneyland is a great place to get the bug.
Ciao